Building A Greener Future: Embracing Fossil Fuel-Free Construction Amid Climate Change

With the growing concerns about climate change and the desire for sustainable living, people are beginning to recognize the environmental benefits of eliminating fossil fuel use in buildings and are seeking alternatives.

Government initiatives, incentives and building codes promoting all-electric construction are driving the trend. Advancements in technology have helped all-electric systems become more efficient, affordable and reliable, making them an attractive choice for developers, homeowners and businesses.  

While all-electric buildings are healthier, more energy-efficient and more affordable for their occupants, many municipalities that required most new buildings to be constructed using all-electric technology repealed those laws after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invalidated an ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings in Berkeley, California.

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The Ninth Circuit decision held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act precludes cities and counties from adopting ordinances that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.

Even so, some developers are so passionate about sustainability that they're pushing forward with the construction of all-electric buildings. In Colorado, for example, East West Partners is building an all-electric residential building at Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs — the first residential development at the base area in the last 15 years.

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The Amble creates its own sustainable ecosystem through climate-responsive architecture, daylighting and natural ventilation. Its mechanical system is designed to be 100% electric as well as able to capture, retain and reuse energy rejected from the building systems. The building's rejected energy is used to supplement the domestic hot water and pool/spa heating as well as snowmelt systems. This setup cuts the amount of energy the building requires to operate and will allow it to operate with significantly lower energy use than traditional building systems.

"We've designed a building with a progressively intelligent envelope and mechanical systems that look first to limit the loss of energy and then harness and upcycle as much energy as we can," East West Managing Partner Ryan Stone said.

Each condo in The Amble features triple-pane windows, efficient insulation systems, induction cooktops and a water vapor fireplace to eliminate gas emissions.

"We could not be more excited to build a home that celebrates Steamboat's unique pace of life and takes an active role in being at the forefront of sustainable development in our community."

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